Full-fashioned knitting machine



Dec. 4, 1934. K. HowlE Er AL 1,982,991

' FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE A Filed Feb. 4, 1932 v 1'7 Sheets-Sheet l Inven-rs: Kenneth Jgwje, Chazyles C. Krjeble Dec. 4, 1934. K. HowlE ET Al.

FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE 17 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 4, 1952 Chacles C..K7gze Dec. 4, 1934. K, HowlE Er AL 1,982,991

FULL FAsHIoNED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1952 17 Sheets-Sheet 3 I nnen 'onf:

Jfennei'h Jllzle, Charles C. Jfz'seb/le,

. Le? @ff M Aw .Dec- 4, 1934. K. HowlE Er Al. 1,982,991

FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 17 Sheets-Sheet 4 In bte ni'o rs.' Kennei'h Jaugz e,

Dec. 4, 1934. K. HowlE ET AL. 1,982,991

FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1952 17 Sheets-Sheet 5 Invnturs:

Jf'enne'iz Chazgles C'. Jfgzeb/le,

@im M T Ams.

Dec. 4, 1934. Kl HOWIE ET AL 1,982,991

FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 17 Sheets-Sheet 6 Dec. 4, 1934. K. HowlE ET AL FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 1'7 Sheets-Sheet 7 D. 4, 1934. K, HOME HAL' 1,982,991

FULL FASHIONED- KNITTING` MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 17v sheets-sheet 8 Anya.

DCC- 4, 1934- K. HowlE Er AL FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932' 1v sheets-sheet 9 Dec. 4, 1934. K, HowlE ET AL 1,982,991

FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1952 17 sheets-sheet 1o 139.1%@ can' Dec. 4, 1934. K. HowlE ET AL FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 17 Sheets-Sheet ll C M I w M Mwah J 1 l n ,u w M m 6 m .ee L# lm .w A ,mmfwl m M H w.. n v, o, r V M HH, e i-- A I o. M u m m h. M m W l d .am L L e m ym? w m M a Mm u A a lm W, l c K m,

UT TWO COURSES SI1/CMG )WMI IN BALANCE 0F HEEL TAB SILK HEEL TAB Dec. 4, 1934. K. HowlE ET AL FULLv FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 17 sheets-sheet 12 $9.17.

Invenbrs:

Charles C .Kenn di; Jiang;

Dec. 4, K HOWlE ET AL FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Fb. 4, 1932 1'7 Sheets-Sheet 13 22. Eig. 23.

Jfennei'z Jhugie, Chazgles GJfjble Dec. 4, 1934. K. HowlE Er Al.

FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 17 Sheets-Sheet 14 fox?! ow, 40 t /elm W .Mn .V wma M.

.T t e8 w/ ea Km f M Dec. 4, 1934. K HOME Er AL 1,982,991A

FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 17 Sheetsjshee l5 C @les CI Jy'eZe, 191%@ @maxim v# M Ang/s Dec. 4, 1934.

K. HOWIE ETI' AL FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1932 1'7 Shefcs-Sheet 16 Patented Dec. 4,Y 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT FFICEI 1,982,991 FULL-FASHIONED xNrr'rmG MACHINE Application February 4,

110 Claims.

The invention concerns full fashioned hosiery knitting machines and one object is to provide a single unit machine capable of making a full fashioned stocking section having all the characteristics of those made on the well known form of multiple head machines, say twenty-four stocking sections at one time. In this multiple head machine the knitting operations at each head are carried on simultaneously with similar knitting operations at all the other heads, and certain instrumentalities are common to all the heads and are controlled by mechanism at the extreme ends of the machine. For instance the thread carriers for all the heads are mounted on carrier rods extending and operable lengthwise of the machine from end to end so that when one of these bars is operated the thread carriers belonging to all the heads are operated simultaneously, so too, all the slur cocks are operated simultaneously as are also the sinkers and dividers throughout the whole series of heads or sections. When, therefore, a broken needle at one of the sections o1' heads has to be replaced or other hand operation has to be performed the entire machine is brought to rest and knitting at all the twenty-four sections or heads ceases. Other instances might be mentioned of the fact that when an operation by hand or an adjustment or inspection of the knitting operation at any one of the twenty-four heads necessitates the stopping of the machine in order to enable the attendant to accomplish that operation, adjustment or inspection at that particular head, all the other heads of the twenty-four must remain idle. Turning of the welt is a further example.

In carrying out our object of providing a single unit machine we have had in mind the production of a machine of such simple and eicient construction as will enable it to be placed on the market at such a reasonable cost that a manufacturer will be enabled to start with comparatively small capital and build Aup his plant as his business progresses. In this connection also other objectives have been sought, namely the economy of space, rapidity of operation, high production of goods, freedom from the disadvantages of temperatur-e changes due in the long standard machines to expansion and contraction of the parts which extend virtually from end to end of the machine. l

, With our improvement the length of the ma chine is kept at a minimum so that a number cf machines can be placed end to end and the aggregate length of the entire number will be within reasonable limits.

1932, serial No. 599.942

(o1. ca 82) The invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a front view-of a single unit full fashioned knitting machine according to our invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the right hand end of the machine.

Figure 2a is a detail view.

Figure 2b is a sectional view of a spring drum, pawl and ratchet mechanism, and associated I parts for operating the narrowing point carrier.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the left hand end of the machine. y

Figure 4 is a top plan View with some parts omitted and a few parts shown in section.

Figure 4a is a view of a detail.

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section, from front to rear of the upperportion of the machine locking from the right towardsthe left of the machine.A

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional-view of the machine from front to rear looking towards the left hand end of the machine, showing mechanism for carrying out narrowing actions.

Figure 7 is a rear View of the upper the machine.

Fig. 7a shows a set of cams of Fig. 7.

Figure 8 is a detail view partly in vertical section showing in part the rotary screw draw bar for giving the slur cock and yarn carrier driver reciprocating movement and one of the stops which adjustably determines the length of stroke of the yarn carriers. i

Figure 9 is a detail view partly in elevation and partly in section of the yarn carrier driver looking from the rear of the machine, the carrier itself and part of the adjustable stop means for variably arresting the yarn carriers.

portion of Figure 10 is a detail view of the yarn carrier driver and stop means looking from the right of Fig. 9, some of the frame work being-omitted Figure 11 is a detail -view of part ofA the yarn carrier driver of Figs. 9 and.l 10 partly in section.

Fig. 12 is a detail yView of selector mechanism.` for certain of the yarns, this mechanism Vbeing located at the left hand side of the machine.

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic plan view of the pattern operated selector mechanism of Fig. 12. Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 12 of a second set of selector mechanism at the right hand side of the machine for certain other yarns.

Figure 15 shows in detail selector slide plates;l of Figure 12. Figure 16 shows in elevation and in plan selector slide plates employed in Figure 14.

Figure 16a is a view of a number of cams forming part of the mechanism for selecting the proper yarn carrier driver, the cams being here shown separately instead of being grouped as in Figs. 10 and 12 on their carrying shaft.

Figure 16h is a view of a pair of cams forming part of the mechanism for selecting the yarn carrier drivers, these cams being shown separately instead of in assembled relation.

Figure 16e is a View of one of the operating cams.

Figure 17 is a detail view of stops for yarn carriers and means controlling the position o1' said stops.

Figure 18 shows details of Figure 17.

Figures 19 and 20 are views relating to stops for the yarn carriers.

Figure 21 is a detail view partly in section of the needle bar bracket and associated parts.

Figure 22 is a detail view of means for shogging the main cam shaft for narrowing.

Figure 23 is a view of parts of Figure 22 looking from the right of said figure.

Figure 23a is a detail of Figures 22 and 23.

Figure 24 is a detail view of the stitch cam and associated control mechanism for the stitch length.

Figures 25 and 26 are details of Figure 24.

Figure 27 is a diagrammatic view of operating means for automatic yarn carrier selecting and changing mechanism and controlling means therefor.

Figure 28 is a plan view of part of Figure 27.

Figures 29 and 30 are detail views relating to pattern mechanism.

Figure 31 is a plan view of pattern mechanism.

Figure 32 is a side elevation o1' parts shown in Figure 31.

Figure 33 is a view of a thread guide.

Figure 33a is a perspective view of a thread guide aillxed to the carrier band in modified form.

Figure 34 is a modification of a yarn guide and band.

Figure 35 is a diagrammatic view showing the front and back stretches of the yarn carrier bands and some associated parts.

Figure 35a is a detail of Figure 35.

Figure 36 is a diagrammatic view of a stocking leg section, the product of this machine.

Figure 37 is a plan view of a part of the machine to illustrate means for adjusting yarn carrier stops for making tapered reinforcing areas above the heel.

Fig. 37a is a detail view.

Figure 38 is a view looking at the rear of the machine showing mechanism for setting the yarn carrier stops of Figure 37 in different positions for making the tapered reinforced area above the heel.

Figure 38a is a-detail of Figure 38.

Figure 39 is a detail plan view relating to the means for adjusting the yarn carrier stops for making the tapered reinforced area's.

Figure 39a is a sectional view of Fig. 39 substantially on line 39a of Fig. 39.

Figure 40 is a view looking from the front of the machine of means for rocking the needle bar for making the tapered reinforced areas.

Figure 41 is a view looking from the right of Figure 40.

Fig. 42 shows a taper heel reinforcing cam.

Figure 43 is a view of guide means for the yarn guide carrier bands.

Needle bar mounting and operation The needle bar l, Figure 5, is mounted in brackets, one, as shown at 2, at each end thereof, there being an adjustment to each bracket consisting of a screw 3 passing through the bracket and bearing on the bar.

The brackets are pinned to a rod 4 mounted in the flexible section 5 of arms 5a which are pinned to a shaft 6 near the center of machine. The rod 4 is loosely mounted in the arm section 5. The shaft 6 is turned by a cam 7 on main cam shaft a through an arm 8 and roller 8a. The split arm 5, 5a enables the needle be: to be adjusted up and down by a screw 10 and lock nut l1.

'Ihis mechanism raises and lowers the needle bar. For swinging the needle bar for pressing the needle beards the shaft 4 has at its central part and pinned thereto an arm 12 which depends therefrom and has an adjusting screw 13 bearing on the base part of a yoke formation 14 at top of an arm 15, the lower end of which is connected by a link 16 with a web 17 of a lever 18 pivoted loosely on said center shaft 6. This lever is operated by a cam 18x, Fig. 1, on the main cam shaft a, said lever having a roller 181/ bearing on the cam all as in ordinary practice.

The link 16 has a handle and also a pin and notch connection 19, Fig. 5, with the depending lever arm 15 so that by lifting the lever to disengage arm 15 the brackets 2 can be swung by hand. A spring 20 maintains engagement between the notch and pin.

Stitch control In the formation of the stitches the needle bar 1 is operated as usual to set the needles in a certain relation to the throats of the sinkers and dividers in order to furnish the necessary amount of yarn to produce the desired length of stitch.

This is usually accomplished by the rocker lever 21, Figs. 1 and 24, loose on the rocker shaft 22. The roller 21a of this lever is operated by the stitch cam 23 on the main cam shaft a which causes the oscillation of rocker shaft 22 and this in turn through adjustable stud 22a of lever 22h, Fig. 5, fixed on shaft 22 coming in contact with presser lever 18, operates the same together with the links 16, etc., and thus the needle bar is set in desired stitch forming relation to the throat of the sinkers and dividers. The connection from the loose lever 21 to the rocker shaft 22 is through the tail 22k of the lever, Fig. 24, coming against the straight edge 22o of the arm or bracket 22d, Figs. 24 and 25, which is pinned to the rocker shaft 22. In this action of making ordinary stitches the ki530 parts 22e, 22j and 22g, Fig. 24, do not come into play but these parts are called into play by pattern mechanism for increasing the stitch length when necessary as now will be described.

When desiring to make a temporary change of stitch length such as for a loose course, a pattern stud 22h, Figs. 24 and 31, on the pattern drum A raises the lever 22g and pulls on link 22f. This operates cam piece 22e pivoted at 22i on the arm 22d which brings the high part of said cam piece in contact with screw 227 carried by the tail 22k, the lever 21 thereby setting roller 21a further inward towards stitch cam 23 and increasing the amount of oscillation of the shaft 22 when roller 21a is operated by said stitch cam 23, thereby causing a greater amount of yarn to be fed to the needle and a longer stitch to be formed.

For adjusting the needle bar intermittingly as required when reinforcing the heel, at which time the loops must be longer to take care of the addi- 150 tional yarn, a lever 24, Fig. 1, loose on shaft 22 and having roller 24a contacted and operated by the rocker cam 24h on the main shaft and a similar series of connections to those just described, namely, like those, 21, 22d, 22e, 22j, and 22g, are operated by a button or stud like 22h on the pattern drum A to operate the needle bar into position for making long stitches suitable to receive the reinforcing yarn. This series of connections for setting the reinforcing lever 24 are indicated in part in Fig. 1 at 24j, 24h and 24g.

This mechanism for adjusting the needle bar when reinforcing the heel may be substituted by mechanism shown in Figs. 38 to 42 for making a tapered heel reinforcement as will be described later.

Rendering needle bar temporarily inactive The lever 8, Fig. 5 which is operated by cam 'I to raise the needle bar has an upwardly extending finger 8b provided with a pin 8c. This is to be engaged at certain times by a detent hook 8d pivotally mounted on and depending from the upper structure and controlled by a pattern cam 8e mounted on the yarn change controlling shaft b. This detent hereinafter referred to has a return spring 8f at its hub Fig. 7. The detent has a spring pin 8g which bears on the cam 8e.

At a certain point in the operation of the machine as here organized i. e. in changing thread carriers, it is necessary to allow the machine to perform an idle stroke or strokes while the necessary instrumentalities are being automatically placed in position to eiect the change. At this 4time it is lone of the objectives of this invention,

automatically to prevent the needle bar from performing its regular cycle of movement. The needle bar is therefore, held down during the yarn changing operation to prevent the needles from receiving yarn and to prevent a press oil. For so holding the needle bar in its low position the hook or detent 8d cornes into play and engages the pin 8c of arm 8b. This occurs when the roller 8a of lever 8 is nearing the high part of cam 7 and consequently the needle bar is down with needle head below sinker throat. While the needle bar is thus held down the changing of the yarns takes place automatically.

Yam carrier mechanism The 'tubular thread guides t are mounted one on each of the substantially endless thin steel flexible bands 26, say for instance five in number in the particular machine herein disclosed. These bands are arranged side by side and are set vertically on edge. The thread guides consist of tubes t, Figs. 33 and 33a held in place by a punched out portion or portions t2 of the band. These portions grip the guide tubes and they present inclined band portions which will enable the guides to pass each other without interference.

The bands are closely assembled at the front of the machine and more widely spaced apart at the back of the machine as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 and diagrammatic Fig. 35. They are guided at the ends of the machine about a series of rollers 27 and about blocks 28 adjustably fixed to the frame. These bands form substantially endless carriers for the yarn guides and they are reciprocated to cause the yarn guides to traverse the needle row.

Adjustment of the guide blocks 28 for the bands is effected by the screws 28a Fig. 4a which pass through enlarged openings in the blocks into the top plate of the machine. The heads of the screws bear on the upper faces of the blocks and clamp them to the top plate. By loosening the screw or screws the blocks may be adjusted to make the bands properly taut to prevent vibration and then by properly setting the screws the block will be held in its adjusted position.

The bands may be held down in their operative plane by the discs 27a, Fig. 43, which are mounted on the studs 27h about which the rollers turn. These discs overlie the upper edges of the bands and are free to turn about the posts. An oil hole is provided at 27o.

Guides'29, Figs. 1 and 5, are provided at the front of machine through which the whole set of bands pass closely associated. Each of the bands on its back stretch i. e. at the back of the machine has riveted or otherwise aftxed thereto a dog 34, Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 35. These dogs form the connection between the ends of the bands and practically make them endless.

The dogs are adapted to be engaged by driving pawls 31a, one for each band mounted in a driver member or block 31 which reciprocates at the back portion, and lengthwise, of the machine, being guided on the rails 33, Figs. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11, which extend from end to end of the machine frame and suitably fixed thereto. The pawls 31a are so controlled as to engage their companion dogs 34 at the proper times for operating the corresponding bands 26 with their yarn guides, the selection of the proper driver pawl being accomplished by selector mechanism shortly to be described. f

For operating the driver block or pawl carrier 31 it is fixed to the upper stretch of a band chain or other suitable form of carrier shown at 30 Figs. 5, Sland 10. In this present instance this carrier for the driver block is in the form of a thin steel band. The driver block 31 is formed in upper and lower sections 31m and 31n, Fig. 10, held together by screws 32, Figs. 9 and 10, so that these sections clamp the carrier band 30 between them` and, therefore, the driver, by the movement of the band, is made to traverse the machine lengthwise back and forth.

The dogs 34 are also made in sections 34a, 34h, Fig. l0, and are riveted or screwed together with the band or tape 26 between them. 'I'he driver band or carrier passes around pulleys 30a mounted near the ends of the machine and it has xed thereto the slur cock carrier 3'7 Fig. 5 which is guided by the T-shaped frame bar 37a. The slur cock carrier has upwardly extending standards or posts 37b on each of which there is mounted a roll 37C on a vertical axis. These rolls embrace a spiral rib 38a of the rotary reciprocatory draw bar 38 which eifects the reciprocation of the carrier band 30.

It thus will be seen that the rotary reciprocatory screw or draw bar 38 (which is operated as hereinafter described) reciprocates the slur cocky carrier which in turn reciprocates the band 30. This band reciprocates the driver block or pawl carrier 31, the pawls of which are selected for picking up their corresponding dogs 34 and operating the corresponding yarn guide carrying band 26.

It will be noted that the employmentof the thin steel bands 26, set up on edge, enables a close assembly of these bands at the front of the machine to be obtained so that all the carriers are disposed in the same horizontal plane and close to the needle row so that the guide tubes are all in close relation to the needle row for the proper delivery of yarn thereto. These bands occupy 

